On 4 Dec 63, Henry Brown, 26, of Jackson, Louisiana, and Alice
Thompson, 23, of New Orleans, were picketing in downtown Clinton.
As Henry Brown passed in front of the Clinton Variety Store, Mr.
R.K. McGhee [store owner] rushed up to him, grabbed the sign out of
his hand, and ripped it up. This was done in the presence of Town
Marshal Manchester. Mr. McGhee told Alice and Henry not to walk
on the sidewalk, but to walk in the street next to the sidewalk.
Henry Brown obtained a new sign and continued picketing. Mr. McGhee,
wielding a majorette's baton, then assaulted Alice Thompson, grabbing
the sign out of her hand and ripping it up. Officer Manchester made
no move to stop him, but placed the two picketers under arrest for
disturbing the peace. The $100 bond for each was not set until noon,
5 Dec 63.